Timberwolves Take Care Of Business Against Short Handed Nuggets (128-98)

Timberwolves Take Care Of Business Against Short Handed Nuggets (128-98)

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by | Feb 5, 2023 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves came into this game following the loss to the Magic ready to get back into the win column. The Denver Nuggets came into this matchup resting 4 of their starters as they just played last night. The Nuggets didn’t have Nikola Jokic or Jamal Murray in the lineup for the game against Minnesota. The Timberwolves did get some good news as they were able to get Jordan McClaughlin back in the lineup after missing a ton of games. The only piece to the Timberwolves puzzle that needs to be added back into the miss is Karl Anthony Towns.

This was one of those games where you knew the opponent was playing without stars and you didn’t want to play down to their level. The Timberwolves did a great job of putting the Nuggets away early in this one as they had them trailing the whole game. D’Angelo Russell came out and set the tone in the 1st quarter with 14 points and that pretty much got things rolling for Minnesota. The Nuggets did have Michael Porter Jr as their primary scorer as he was the only true Nugget that can create his own shot. Porter Jr finished the game with 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. The Timberwolves were scoring with ease and it didn’t matter who was on them tonight it felt like it was going in. Russell, Edwards, and Gobert finished the game with a combined 54 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists as a unit. This trio has been special as of late and they made it tough on the Nuggets tonight from the opening tip-off.

 

This team has shown a lot of growth and maturity throughout the season as they can beat you inside and outside. The Nuggets had no answer for Rudy Gobert in the paint tonight and he was able to make them pay. DeAndre Jordan has mileage on his legs and doesn’t have the same lift as the Clippers version to at least slow down Gobert. Anthony Edwards was more in the passing mode tonight and didn’t get his game going until the second half as he was able to get to the basket anytime he wanted. It was a tough challenge for Watson to guard Edwards and he made him pay for it. One of the bright spots in the game tonight was the fact we got the chance to see D’Angelo Russell’s playmaking ability as he was making some nasty passes getting his teammates involved. Russell finished the game with 10 assists but when his game is going like it was tonight this team is unstoppable especially when he gets into true point guard mode.

 

The Timberwolves bench has been very good and getting Jordan McClaughlin back in the mix gives Russell a chance to get more of a breather but gives another playmaker to the unit. Jordan helps set the tone for that second unit as he knows where Nowell & Reid like the ball. The bench has been solid and has been a perfect balance to the starters. If that 2nd unit can keep it up this will be epic for that 2nd half of the season. This Timberwolves team had it going tonight but look for the Nuggets to try and get some revenge on Tuesday in the Mile High City.

 

 

Photo Credit: (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

Feb 5, 2023 No Comments
Orlando Defeats Minnesota (127-120) As Five Players Were Ejected After Fight

Orlando Defeats Minnesota (127-120) As Five Players Were Ejected After Fight

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by | Feb 4, 2023 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off a great win against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. They were looking to add another to the win column tonight against Orlando. The Timberwolves got Rudy Gobert back in the lineup to help the Magic paint attack.

This was one of those games where the Timberwolves honestly beat themselves as they had way too many turnovers. When you give a young team a chance like the Magic had tonight it will be tough to win any game. The Magic made it tough on the Timberwolves as they had active hands in the passing lanes and could get a lot of offensive rebounds. The Magic made the Timberwolves pay with 2nd chance points tonight and they allowed the bench to get hot in this game. Cole Anthony came in off the bench and gave this Magic team a spark that was genuinely needed as he finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Every time you looked up Anthony was either making a tough shot or he was able to create for his teammates. Cole Anthony had a couple of nice plays throughout the game but his alley-oop finish tonight was top-of-the-line. Cole Anthony did his thing and so did Wagner as he finished with 19 points off the bench. The bench was on fire tonight as the Magic got 72 points from the bench compared to the Timberwolves’ 49 bench points. This was the Magic’s most recent well-balanced attack as they were getting it done inside and outside.

Near the end of the 3rd quarter with less than 2 minutes to go the fight came out of nowhere. All eyes were on Rudy Gobert throwing the ball under Anthony Edwards’s legs for a turnover. All of a sudden you look up and there is a huge group of players, coaches, and referees in the mix of a scuffle. The arena was stunned just as much as the media row. Austin Rivers was getting heckled by the Magic bench and he let it be known he didn’t like that. Rivers walked over to the bench and then punches were thrown. Check out the video below to see the actual fight and the postgame interview with Austin Rivers.

 

 

 

The Timberwolves were struggling all night and after the fight, they were without Austin Rivers, Taurean Prince, and Jaden McDaniels. This put a lot of responsibility for a 22-point comeback in the hands of Russell/Edwards. It was D’Angelo Russell who was the one that came out scorching as the Timberwolves were able to get it down to 6 points in the 4th. Russell was hitting some big shots as he was able to keep the Timberwolves in the game. D’Angelo Russell was clicking on all cylinders tonight as he finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Russell was hitting some clutch shots to go back and forth with the Magic but Orlando just kept hitting clutch shots back. Anthony Edwards wasn’t playing like himself tonight as he went 5/15 from the field and finished with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Timberwolves will look to bounce back as they will face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday at home.

 

Photo Credit: (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Feb 4, 2023 No Comments
Anthony Edward’s 37 Point Performance Spoils Ingram’s Return (111-102)

Anthony Edward’s 37 Point Performance Spoils Ingram’s Return (111-102)

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by | Jan 25, 2023 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Timberwolves came into this game looking to get back in the win column. It was going to be a challenge as the Pelicans were getting their All-Star Brandon Ingram back in the lineup for the 1st time in 29 games. The Pelicans still don’t have Zion and the Timberwolves are still without Karl-Anthony Towns. This game lived up to the hype and the Timberwolves showed they belong in the Western Conference conversation.

This was one of those games where Anthony Edwards just took over with ease. The Pelicans put multiple defenders on Edward’s but it didn’t matter what you do when he’s that hot. The Pelicans had McCollum, Ingram, and Murphy III guarding Edwards to try and slow him down. It was obvious after his 37-point eruption that they didn’t know how to guard this man. Edwards was 4/10 from the 3-point line tonight but he’s showing that anything is possible with a great offseason. The improvements that Edwards has made throughout the season have been on full display and numerous All-Stars have stated that Anthony Edwards needs to be in the game. The Pelicans saw that at full speed as Edward was able to get to the rim and score with defenders in his face. If Anthony Edwards continues this it could be a long season for the NBA. Tonight the Pelicans tried to get other players to score instead of Anthony Edwards and that backfired. Anthony Edwards is H1M and if he can score like this on a nightly basis then he will be seeing some serious accolades. Edwards was able to clamp down on the defensive end as he was able to help hold Ingram in check with only 13 points. If Edwards adds that to his game the league will be in trouble.

Edwards did have some help as D’Angelo Russell and Rudy Gobert both combined for 36 points,15 rebounds, and 8 assists on the night. If Edwards can continue to get this production it will make things easier until KAT comes back. The Timberwolves will be playing against the Sacramento Kings as they try to slow down Fox & Mitchell.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

Jan 25, 2023 No Comments
Jalen Green’s Career High 42 Points Helps Rockets Defeat Minnesota (119-114)

Jalen Green’s Career High 42 Points Helps Rockets Defeat Minnesota (119-114)

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by | Jan 23, 2023 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

All the talk the last couple of days has been about the 44-point performance from Anthony Edwards. Well, Jalen Green had a couple of days to sit on that before he could counter back in Houston. The Timberwolves were looking to make it a back-to-back victory against Houston but fell short.

 

Jalen Green came out aggressive in this game and from the tipoff, you knew he would make an impact. The thing about that is the fact we didn’t know he was going to go off the way he did. Tonight Green was able to get his shot going and he shot 50% from the 3-point line. When Jalen attacked he made the best play for his team and it didn’t matter who was guarding him tonight from the Timberwolves. It didn’t help the TWolves that they got out-rebounded, out-assisted, and had costly turnovers. Jalen Green was a huge reason that the Rockets won the game but it wasn’t done without his big man Sengun.

 

This man Sengun has been having a great second season in the NBA and tonight he showed why he’s one of the best big men in the league. Sengun had 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists in this game and was able to go toe to toe with Rudy Gobert. Now he’s not on that level yet but he made sure that he gained some respect from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Rockets had 6 players in double figures and the Timberwolves weren’t able to get the job done on the defensive end. It came down to late-game execution and the Rockets were able to do that and more.

The Timberwolves were in a back-and-forth battle in this game against the Rockets. D’Angelo Russell was able to keep the TWolves in this game especially when they got down by 12 points. It seems like every time the chips are stacked against Russell he shows up. Russell finished with 30 points and 7 assists tonight as he was the guy that held it down while the rest of the players got into this game. DLo was making Jalen Green and Eric Gordon look silly off the dribble. Russell had it going on and then that got contagious as Anthony Edwards was able to finish the game with 31 points.

 

Anthony Edwards was able to get to the basket and he was able to knock down 6/10 three-pointers tonight. Rudy Gobert made his return to the lineup and made his presence felt as he came back with a big double-double. Gobert had 15 points and 16 rebounds as he was able to handle the paint by himself. Overall the Timberwolves made a couple of mistakes in that 4th quarter that messed them up in this game.

 

The Timberwolves will be looking to bounce back as they play the Pelicans on Wednesday.

 

 

Photo Credit: (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jan 23, 2023 No Comments
SneakerReporter NFL Sunday Divisional Round: Scores and Predictions

SneakerReporter NFL Sunday Divisional Round: Scores and Predictions

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by | Jan 22, 2023 | Featured, NFL

Cincinnati Bengals Vs Buffalo Bills

 

The Cincinnati Bengals will be taking on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday for the divisional round and a shot at punching their way into the AFC Championship Game.

This game will be huge as this was the game at the end of the season that wasn’t played due to the tragic events surrounding the health of Damar Hamlin who’s recovered tremendously. There will be a lot of emotion on the field from both sides and this will be a huge matchup filled with explosive offenses. The Buffalo Bills who are led by Josh Allen will be looking to take the Bengals out of the game quickly. Josh Allen is probably the best dual-threat quarterback in the NFL and he can make you pay with his arm and his legs. Allen has been at the top of his game as of late but stumbled last week against the Dolphins. Allen will look to bounce back and he has his weapons Diggs/Davis ready to help him in this game as both will need to play a huge part in this one. The Bills don’t want to be obvious with play calling as they will need to sprinkle in some Devin Singletary in the game to keep the Bengals defense honest. The Bills defense will have their hands full trying to slow down Burrow, Chase, and Mixon but they are up to the challenge as they have one of the best defenses in the NFL coming into this one. The Bills defense took a blow from Miami and will try to bounce back this week.

The Bengals come into this game fresh off an impressive win against the Ravens where it legit came down to the last play. The Bengals will need to keep the ball in Joe Burrow’s hand with clock management. If the Bengals offense can set the tone in this game it could be a great day for the Bengals. If the Bengals are going to be successful it will have to do with the running game with Joe Mixon as the Cincy has the advantage in the backfield. Joe Mixon will need to use his legs and hands to keep this team going so it opens up the field for Chase/Higgins/Boyd to operate. Joe Burrow will need to take care of the ball and limit his turnovers as the Bills defense will try to bait him into making a mistake in this one. The Bengals defense has been impressive all season and Jessie Bates has a lot to do with that. Bates will need to keep their eyes glued to Allen’s every move as he will be the one trying to quarterback that Bengals defense.

Both teams were in dogfights last weekend and this one should be another dogfight as both teams want to make it to the Super Bowl or the season is a bust. The Bengals tasted the Super Bowl last year but this year they will try to win it and the Bills are trying to get to that point as well.

Score Prediction: Bengals Win (31-28)

 

 

 

Dallas Cowboys Vs San Francisco 49ers

 

This will be a rematch from last season’s playoffs as the Dallas Cowboys feel like they beat themselves by not clocking the ball in time. This year they will be looking to get revenge after eliminating Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend. The 49ers on the other hand took care of business as they beat the Seattle Seahawks with ease.

 

The Dallas Cowboys will need to be able to play their style of football tonight. If Dak Prescott can limit his turnovers the Cowboys should be right in this game where they need to be. As of late Prescott has had interception issues but he will be able to redeem himself with a win against the 49ers. Dak has one of the best combo running backs with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. The Cowboys have won all season with Dak and the running game so they will need to keep that energy up. Look for the Cowboys to try to establish the run against this dominant 49ers defense. The Cowboys line will be the true judge of this game because if Nick Bosa gets to Dak it could be a long day. One of the good things is that Dak gets the ball out quickly so he has reliable hands in Ceedee Lamb, Gallup, and Hilton now. If the Cowboys can make it tough on that 49er secondary then this could be the game of the day. The Cowboys defense is led by Micah Parsons and he will be trying to get to Brock Purdy all day long. If the Cowboys defense can make the rookie make a mistake in this game it could go in the favor of the Cowboys. The Cowboys will be trying to slow down Deebo/McCaffrey and that’s not a small task at all.

The 49ers are playing with Brock Purdy who has been lights out in this season including playoffs. The good thing about Purdy is the fact that he’s got some true weapons around him to make his situation a lot easier. If Purdy can get the ball out to CMC/Deebo/Kittle it could be a long day for the Cowboys defense if he catches them in space. This will be a true test for this team and the 49ers have already been battle-tested this season, especially with injuries. The 49ers have the players to get it done on both ends of the field so it’s going to come down to who wants it more and who has the better trio. The defense for the 49ers will be trying to get to Dak as they want to make it tough on him. The 49ers run defense is at the top of the rankings so it could be tough to run on this team.

 

This will be one of the best games this weekend and we should be in for a true battle for a chance to head to the NFC Championship game.

 

Score Prediction: Cowboys Win (24-17)

Jan 22, 2023 No Comments